Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Sussex pay tribute as important palace staff member steps down

Prince William, Catherine, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle have bid a valued member of their Kensington Palace team goodbye recently, in what is sure to be a sad loss to their official group of aides.

Sir David Manning, who has been special advisor to the younger royals for over 10 years has officially stepped down from his post.

The important member of staff was relinquished from his duties by the Queen on Wednesday afternoon, at Buckingham Palace, the Court Circular has revealed.

He began his role all the way back in 2009, first advising Princes William and Harry as they began to step up their royal responsibilities.

As the years went by, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge got married, Sir David also mentored Catherine, and, over the past year, has been vital in preparing the Duchess of Sussex for royal life. He was thought to be a key help in preparing and supporting Kate, the future Queen, for such a huge public role.

He is said to be close to Harry and William especially, having advised them on all kinds of issues including government matters and international politics over the years.

So it's no surprise that the Dukes and Duchesses wanted to pay tribute to David. In an official statement, they thanked him for all of his work.

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The statement read, "Their Royal Highnesses are incredibly grateful for the guidance and support that Sir David has provided over the last 10 years. His wise counsel has been central to the success of their international tours and the early stages of their official work as members of the royal family."

Sir David has joined the royal couples on many of their royal tours overseas, including Catherine and Wiliam's first one with Prince George, to Australia back in 2014, when their first born was a baby.

He also joined Harry and Meghan on their tour of Fiji and Tonga late last year, which was the couple's first major visit overseas.

The special advisor's role is thought to be unique, and so at this time there are no plans to replace him.